Southern Gospel legend and long time Dolly pal, Dottie Rambo, died in a tour bus accident early Sunday morning in southwest Missouri while on her way to perform a Mother’s Day concert in North Richland Hills, Texas. Also on board the bus were several of my dear friends: Dottie’s manager Larry Ferguson, his wife Judy, their children Christian and Pierce, Dottie’s webmaster and assistant Chris Barnes, and bus driver Ronnie Meadows. Dolly quickly released a statement in response to today’s tragedy: “I know Dottie is in heaven in the arms of God right now, but our earth angel will surely be missed. Dottie was a dear friend, a fellow singer, songwriter and entertainer, and as of late my duet singing partner. Dottie, ’stand by the river’ and wait for me. I will always love you, Dolly.” Dolly went on to say “I also want to send my prayers and thoughts to her manager Larry Ferguson, the children, families and everyone involved in this terrible tragedy.” According to reports, Chris Barnes, Larry Ferguson and Ronnie Meadows have all been admitted to St. Johns Hospital in Springfield, Missouri in serious condition while Larry’s wife and children sustained moderate injuries. No funeral arrangements for Dottie have been made yet as of this writing. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Dottie’s family and our friends who were involved in this tragedy.